Active Children Through Individual Vouchers Evaluation: A Mixed-Method RCT.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Adolescent physical activity declines, particularly in deprived areas, due to accessibility barriers like cost and location.
• The Active Children Through Individual Vouchers Evaluation (ACTIVE) study addressed this decline by co-producing an intervention with teenagers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve cardiovascular fitness and heart health in teenagers through a co-produced intervention.
• To explore teenagers' preferences for physical activity opportunities.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 7 schools in Wales (n=909).
• Intervention included monthly activity vouchers, peer mentoring, and support worker engagement for 12 months.
• Data collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, including fitness tests, blood pressure, pulse wave analysis, and focus groups.

Main Results:

• The intervention showed a trend towards improved running distance and significantly increased the likelihood of teenagers being fit (OR=1.21, p=0.002).
• A reduction in high blood pressure was observed in the intervention group (from 5.3% to 2.7%).
• Focus groups revealed teenagers' desire for more informal, social, and local activity options.

Conclusions:

• The ACTIVE intervention demonstrated potential benefits for teenage cardiovascular fitness and health.
• Co-production, empowerment, and provision of accessible, enjoyable, local activities are key to improving adolescent physical activity.